What happened
On January 18, 2014, a Beechcraft BE-58, registration PR-RAU, was performing a private cargo and personal transport flight from Borba, Amazonas, to Flores, Amazonas. During the approach to the Flores Aerodrome (SWFN), the aircraft touched down with its landing gear retracted. The impact caused light damage to the propeller tips of both engines, as well as denting to the lower fuselage, flaps, and ailerons. Both the pilot and the passenger were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft after it was moved to a maintenance facility and placed on hydraulic jacks. Testing showed that the landing gear system functioned normally during extension cycles. However, investigators discovered that the circuit breaker responsible for the landing gear operation was not pressed. This condition prevented the gear from extending even when the lever was moved to the down position. It could not be determined when or why the circuit breaker had popped out.
Furthermore, the investigation established that the pilot did not utilize the aircraft's checklist during the approach procedures. While the pilot believed they had extended the gear during the traffic pattern, they failed to verify the gear's status through the cockpit indicator lights, the visual inspection mirror located on the left engine cowling, or the audible warning alarm, which was inoperable due to a faulty horn.
Findings
- The pilot failed to use the aircraft checklist during the approach phase.
- The pilot's oversight in not verifying the gear position via lights, mirrors, or audio alarms contributed to the accident.
- An unpressed circuit breaker prevented the landing gear from deploying.
- The aircraft's audible landing gear warning horn was inoperable.